Who are the Best Thoroughbred Dressage Stallions STILL BREEDING?

[mitma]

I would like to breed one of my mares to a TB stallion with either exceptional dressage ability (via a performance record) or an excellent record of producing competitive dressage horses. Any suggestions??? Most of the research I've done has identified TB sporthorses that excel more in the hunter/jumper arena... I'm aware of Lauries Crusader and his influence in warmblood breeding... anyone know if there's any of his frozen semen still available??? or does he have any JC registered breeding offspring? Thanks in advance for any info!

[risingstarfarm]

I believe that Sea Accounts is doing quite well in dressage.

[alexandra]

unfortunately Sunlight is dead, and Prince Thatch with high influnce aswell. Not aware of others than LC with influence at the moment.

[fatorangehorse]

I still love a nice TB!!!

[grayarabpony]

I would not breed to Sea Accounts with dressage in mind... unfortunately (IMO), 99% -- perhaps even more -- of that rare male TB in this country who had the ability to produce GP dressage horses is either gelded or going to be gelded tomorrow. They wouldn't tend to run very fast.. :)

This is reality -- can't say I like it, as overall TBs are my favorite horses.

Looking forward to seeing who Germany finds next...

[ne1]

perhaps tim or someone else who was at neumunster could jump in and help me here.... there was a dressage display there from a large grey stallion son of heraldik which was absolutely incredible, and usually i go get a refill of that good german coffee when the dressage comes on.

the horse was doing an i1 freestyle demo and was just amazing. it didn't look like any tb i've ever seen before, and to be fair i'm pretty sure it was a halfbred. not sure if half-breds qualify in the op's search.

someone smarter than me.... please figure out what that horse was and remind us....?

[mitma]

Thanks for info so far... looked at Sea Accounts website and though he is a lovely and athletic horse, I do not see where he has competed in dressage above 2nd level... if I was looking to produce an eventer or open jumper, I could get more interested in him... Regarding the grey stallion seen in Germany, I didn't mention this earlier but I would really prefer to stay away from the grey gene... but, I would still love to know the identity of that horse... tried to look up Heraldik offspring and, as suggested, most breeding offspring are only 1/2 TB... But, please keep the suggestions coming... Thanks!

[YankeeLawyer]

unfortunately Sunlight is dead, and Prince Thatch with high influnce aswell. Not aware of others than LC with influence at the moment.

Soleil Q, a Sunlight son, is an interesting option. Granted, he is only 5/8 TB, but might be one for the OP to consider.

http://somedaysoonfarm.com/pages%20new/soleil.html

Edited to add: he is a young stallion, so he might not satisfy your "proven" ability criterion as he is just going up the levels himself.

[FMulder]

Sadly, you'll not find what you're looking for. All the super tb stallions are dead now, and as always are "discovered" once they are dead. This is why the major stallion owners in Europe are scouring the globe looking for the next Heraldik, Mytens, Lauries Crusader, Hand in Glove etc etc. They are not easy to find.

There are a few doses of Hand in Glove left and five straws of Heraldik, no Mytens and little LC. It's a big shame.

[vineyridge]

LC only seems to do live cover these days. :(

[JER]

Anyone know if Stravinsky xx (http://www.ranbyhall.com/stravinsky.html) produces good dressage horses?

I've seen this stallion in person and he's a lovely mover. He's a Polish-bred ex-racehorse who competed to PSG and has one or more approved stallion sons in Europe.

[stoicfish]

Sadly, you'll not find what you're looking for. All the super tb stallions are dead now, and as always are "discovered" once they are dead. This is why the major stallion owners in Europe are scouring the globe looking for the next Heraldik, Mytens, Lauries Crusader, Hand in Glove etc etc. They are not easy to find.

There are a few doses of Hand in Glove left and five straws of Heraldik, no Mytens and little LC. It's a big shame.

Could this be due to the fact that people want a proven Tb stallion therefore they are not willing to give him a chance to prove himself. It becomes a Catch-22. Some horses are not apparent in their breeding potential till they get the mares. It is hard for Tb's to get the mares.

[mitma]

Hmmm, you would think that with all the "excess" TB foals produced in the US, that someone would focus on producing pure TB athletes for sporthorse endeavors and not just racing... though there are probably several breeders focusing on using TBs for eventing and open jumping, but not so much for dressage.
Anyway, I am now really getting a feel for the difficulty of the task I have chosen here...
But, thanks JER for the comment regarding Stravinsky, I checked his website and he has show to PSG... the static picture of him is lovely, I plan to contact the owner regarding video and other info... will keep you posted.

[JER]

video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOOOqpq8SYw) of Stravinsky xx

[TouchstoneAcres]

I like Stravinsky. Too bad he isn't in my area for LC breeding.

[JER]

Also mitma, I've imported semen myself (acting as my own importer) from the UK. It's not difficult and the USDA was very helpful and easy to work with.

[FMulder]

Stravinsky died a couple of months ago.

[TKR]

Mitma, we did breed Thoroughbreds for many years for the sport disciplines, leaning towards dressage. Our stallion, Master Huntsman, did a very good job of producing the right type and good gaits to do well in dressage. He had two go up the levels with more serious riders, qualifying for Regionals every years and getting high point scores at shows. One went on to I-1 and the other showed to 4th that I know of and schooled FEI. There are a number that did well at lower levels but the owners didn't pursue going up he levels because of their abilities or interest or finances. We didn't breed alot of mares compared to many operations but the foals produced were very good quality, many with upper level potential. I have lost track of a number of them also. Huntsman is no longer at stud (he's 30!) but I have frozen. I have one of his babies here that definately should be pursueing a dressage career, I just don't have the interest or the $$. His son, now 21 and our younger stallion, could have certainly gone up the levels, but we were unable to pursue it. I think many of us breeding Thoroughbreds for sport have gotten discouraged by the loss of interest in buyers as well as the number offered for cheap off the track. There are probably a number of good Thoroughbred stallions that have produced well enough to go that route, but the market has not been there for the babies.
PennyG

[PineTreeFarm]

Thanks for info so far... looked at Sea Accounts website and though he is a lovely and athletic horse, I do not see where he has competed in dressage above 2nd level... . Thanks!

According to USEF's website he has competed through 3 rd level. Last time out at the SW regional championships.

[houserabbitz]

Bridlewood is standing Liberty, but he is gray and out of a Gimpel mare, so I don't know if that fits your criteria. He had a very successful dressage career.

http://www.bridlewoodhanoverians.com/Liberty.php

[Frogs Leap]

I can second Stravinsky XX if you can find any of his frozen. I had a lovely mare by him, and currently have two of her daughters. All are very lovely dressage type movers, and super easy to work with. And if you happen to like the color he throws true black. I have seen a few others by him in Denmark and all have been very nice, ridable dressage type horses.

[mbp]

If you want full tb and not half or so, it sounds like Stravinksy frozen might be a good option if you can find it.

Although they don't truly meet your criteria on performance and progeny, I'll also toss out Watermill Swatch
http://www.kylemorestud.com/stallions_detail.php?image_id=5

and Albaran (just recently approved after his sport career), who has some Forli like Prince Thatch did and has Tamerlane on the damside
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1zKrYr0V9I&feature=related

Wilawander is another possible.
http://www.watermolen.net/projectdetails.aspx?id=79#/UserFiles/image/wilawanderhoofd2.jpg

[vineyridge]

Dr. Jan Greve in Holland is responsible for Watermill Swatch, Watermill Rolex at Celle, Painters Row in Denmark, and Wilawander. If you are really looking for a TB dressage stallion, you could contact him and see if any of his would be suitable. I know he owns the horse that was in the most recent Rollkur flap with Patrick whateverhisname is, the Swedish GP rider.

It would appear that Painters Row has moved to Ireland, since he is won the TB stallion class at the Royal Dublin Horse Show this year. From a document showing the results,
1st: 358, Painters Row, Raymond Cahalane, Castlejane Stud, Bawnlahan, Union, Hall, Co. Cork

[Anne]

Innkeeper is the only domestic one that comes to mind.

[mitma]

Thanks again to all for great information and ideas... since Sea Accounts has competed to 3rd level, will definitely follow his career and progeny record...

But, I must say, VERY interested in Stravisnky!!! And though I couldn't confirm his reported recent death, I did find out that there is frozen semen for him available...

It ems his sire, Revlon Boy, has also produced some other exceptional athletes that are full TB, such as Betel (http://www.webelsgrund.de/english/betel.html) and also a couple of international eventers...

Oh, and BTW, if I breed my mare to Stravinsky, JER can help name the baby! ;)

Thanks again!

[JER]

Oh, and BTW, if I breed my mare to Stravinsky, JER can help name the baby! ;)

Thanks but you should know I'm not good with names. :)

I'm happy to hear there is frozen available. Stravinsky was very impressive in the flesh, a type of TB you don't see too often. His pedigree is also a real outcross to the typical US TB.

Good luck!

[Equilibrium]

Dr. Jan Greve in Holland is responsible for Watermill Swatch, Watermill Rolex at Celle, Painters Row in Denmark, and Wilawander. If you are really looking for a TB dressage stallion, you could contact him and see if any of his would be suitable. I know he owns the horse that was in the most recent Rollkur flap with Patrick whateverhisname is, the Swedish GP rider.

It would appear that Painters Row has moved to Ireland, since he is won the TB stallion class at the Royal Dublin Horse Show this year. From a document showing the results,
1st: 358, Painters Row, Raymond Cahalane, Castlejane Stud, Bawnlahan, Union, Hall, Co. Cork

I have seen Watermill Swatch in person and he takes your breathe away. He is a stunning animal. The people at Kylmore Stud are super nice and very easy to deal with.

Terri

[alexandra]

Soleil Q, a Sunlight son, is an interesting option. Granted, he is only 5/8 TB, but might be one for the OP to consider.

http://somedaysoonfarm.com/pages%20new/soleil.html

Edited to add: he is a young stallion, so he might not satisfy your "proven" ability criterion as he is just going up the levels himself.

But he comes from a very good and proven damline with Olympic participants. I was very sad when I heard sold to the US at his licensing !!! I hoped for Statestud to buy him.

[alexandra]

perhaps tim or someone else who was at neumunster could jump in and help me here.... there was a dressage display there from a large grey stallion son of heraldik which was absolutely incredible, and usually i go get a refill of that good german coffee when the dressage comes on.

the horse was doing an i1 freestyle demo and was just amazing. it didn't look like any tb i've ever seen before, and to be fair i'm pretty sure it was a halfbred. not sure if half-breds qualify in the op's search.

someone smarter than me.... please figure out what that horse was and remind us....?

This could have been Ekwador Heraldik - Corofino - Landgraf with a polish rider. He is really amazing and has already Grand Prix placings.
You should find him, offspring and a video clip here:
http://hsw.es/index.html

[ne1]

exactly alexandra, thank you!

... and with landgraf as the thrid sire there's plenty of blood.... but its unlike most half+ breds i see!

his performance at the holstenhalle won the jumper crowd over easily!
this is the vid clip from your link:

http://hsw.es/tasdorf.php?go=hengste&sub=h_ekwador&view=videoclip

a note on the pedigree; corofino is a top broodmare sire, but he and his stam can make small. one way used to try to offset that in holstein is the addition of blood. with a full tb sitting above him in this pedigree and landgraf, the halfbred, below, there's no sign of 'small' here!

[dcf13050]

70% TB work for you? Check out Lotus T, this horse produces all round exceptional foals for dressage & jumping. Check out his scores from the 100 day test he participated in.

[EquineLVR]

I have seen Watermill Swatch in person and he takes your breathe away. He is a stunning animal. The people at Kylmore Stud are super nice and very easy to deal with.

Terri

Can you get frozen semen here for Watermill Swatch?

[Equilibrium]

Can you get frozen semen here for Watermill Swatch?

I will ask and find out!

Terri

[allanglos]

video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOOOqpq8SYw) of Stravinsky xx

Is this the same horse?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebuDwJA4lGc&NR=1

[mitma]

Wow, H Ekwador is magnificent!!! (ne1, thanks for the video link!)

But, again, my criteria are that I require a stallion that is 100% TB... due to my desire to register the offspring of my mare in a particular registry and also relating to my other breeding goals...

For now, I am continuing to research more about the quality of Stravinsky's frozen semen, etc... but, I would be interested in knowing about the availability of frozen semen from Watermill Swatch... he also seems rather impressive too...

[TWFarm]

Mitma,

In 2007 I received a video of all Bockmann stallions. They stand Fidertanz. Anyway, I remember being impressed by one of their TB stallion Seigneur d'Alleray. I don't know if you can get his frozen semen here but you may want to ask Judy Yancey about him and see if his semen is available in the US.

TWFarm

[knowthatifly]

Mitma, just another one for your consideration might be a stallion called Comet Shine. He sired Becky Holder's Courageous Comet, a well known advanced event horse (2nd Rolex, Member of 2008 Olympic Eventing Team,etc) who is known for his magnificent movement in the dressage phase.

Comet Shine, who was Juvenile Horse of the Year in Canada, stands at Victory Rose Thoroughbreds in Vacaville, California. Unfortunately, he is still primarily a race sire, but his stud fee is affordable and he is a fabulous addition for TB sport horse breeding.

I have a TB youngster by Comet Shine that draws lots of head turns from the local dressage folks and lots of questions about his breeding. They drool over his movement.

You can google Victory Rose and Del Mar pedigree to learn more.

[Robby Johnson]

Wow, H Ekwador is magnificent!!! (ne1, thanks for the video link!)

But, again, my criteria are that I require a stallion that is 100% TB... due to my desire to register the offspring of my mare in a particular registry and also relating to my other breeding goals...

For now, I am continuing to research more about the quality of Stravinsky's frozen semen, etc... but, I would be interested in knowing about the availability of frozen semen from Watermill Swatch... he also seems rather impressive too...

You really haven't said anything about the mare (nor do you have to), but I am curious if you could give more detail purely on performance. I understand if you are keeping it on the "d/l!" :D

That Stravinsky horse is jaw-dropping.

[ShannonD]

Is Langata Express xx still breeding? I don't know much about his movement specifically but I do believe he has a number of daughters who have produced approved stallions of dressage type, such as... http://www.sporthorse-data.com/d?i=10510053

[grayarabpony]

That Stravinsky horse is jaw-dropping.

He was beautiful.

[au_panda]

Try googling for "Cloned Steel". He is inactive but is approved by the American Trakehner Association. He is a beautiful chestnut TB, currently living in Eugene Oregon. He is owned by a vet, Tina Steward, and I think she told me she has frozen from him. He is a 1983 model. He was a successful hunter, up through the 4' divisions and then had a successful dressage career (I think up through the higher levels, I want to say at least PSG). Tina could give you the details of his career.

[mitma]

Well, so awesome, you guys just keep the info coming...

So, I am googling away now to learn as much as possible about the other TB stallions mentioned... and, have emailed Yancey Farms re: Seigneur d'Alleray, as after checking the Bockmann Stud site it appears to no longer make any mention of him...

And, regarding my mystery mare, yeah... you know, I just returned to the world of horses in the past 3 years, having not ridden or done virtually anything in the equestrian world for more than 20 years, (I figured returning to horses was a reasonable moral, legal, and sane way to experience a mid-life crisis... :D) That being said, I've always had a fondness for the particular horse on which I learned to jump... and, my mare I plan to rebreed this year, being similar, is one that has performed well at low-level dressage, competed in H/J competition, been foxhunted and trail ridden extensively, and is just one cool old gal... She has had one Werbellin baby (who is now ?7 years old or so) that is schooling 3rd level, and some other babies under the ages of 4 that aren't doing much (none of them are mine except a yearling I purchased last year and I plan to get him out to DSHB shows this year)...

So, for now, for fun, I probably won't reveal any further mare details... :)

But, keep those recommendations coming, I am learning so much and it is great!

[Mozart]

exactly alexandra, thank you!

... and with landgraf as the thrid sire there's plenty of blood.... but its unlike most half+ breds i see!

his performance at the holstenhalle won the jumper crowd over easily!
this is the vid clip from your link:

http://hsw.es/tasdorf.php?go=hengste&sub=h_ekwador&view=videoclip

a note on the pedigree; corofino is a top broodmare sire, but he and his stam can make small. one way used to try to offset that in holstein is the addition of blood. with a full tb sitting above him in this pedigree and landgraf, the halfbred, below, there's no sign of 'small' here!

I find it amazing that he is such a substantial looking stallion, given how much blood is there. Wow, lovely. Never mind German coffee, I would not even have been lured away by German Kuchen!

[baylady7]

Mitma

You can look at GP's Kruggerand, who is a son of Glitter Please. http://www.symranch.com/horses/st01.html

GP only went throgh lower levels before switching to hunters but did well at Wellington.

[mitma]

Thanks Kathy...
I will will look at him closer, but I must say, I've been very impressed with the recently departed UK stallion, Stravinsky, who did compete to ?I-1 in the EU... and, there is frozen available for him... so, I'm evaluating that possibility at present... my mare's anticipated foal date is May 7th... so very excited, since we did plan this pregnancy, and it took 2 years to get one of my mares in foal to the stallion I used last year (who has also passed...)... anyway, I've been told it's not ideal to breed (using frozen) on foal heat, so am looking at a June breeding anyway... definitely have time to make a sound decision... O.K., thanks again for the suggestion!
Martha

[JER]

I've been very impressed with the recently departed UK stallion, Stravinsky, who did compete to ?I-1 in the EU... and, there is frozen available for him...

Just curious -- who has the frozen for Stravinsky? Is it via his owner in the UK?

[mitma]

I contacted Stravinsky's owner at Ranby Hall Stud in the UK:

http://www.ranbyhall.com/

The semen is stored at a stallion station in the UK, I am currently waiting for it's analysis, since Stravinsky recently died, there's not really any live foal data from using frozen...

Will let you know when I have more info, or feel free to PM me...

Martha